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Lewistown Entrepreneur Workshop May 19th

Interested in starting a business? Wondering what resources are available? Looking for other people that are also thinking about starting a business or have just started a business?

A new grassroots venture may help you do just that.
The Heart of Montana Venture Network was created to provide a platform through which entrepreneurs and start-up business people can help one another. The network is the brainchild of Abby Majerus, Steve Moodie and Stephen Taylor, all of Lewistown. The three are recent graduates of Leadership Central Montana (LCM), a local year-long class focused on identifying potential leaders and motivating them to take action. The group created the network as part of their assignment to identify and address an issue or topic of importance to Central Montana.

The trio went through several variations of the project in their quest to find a way to inspire Central Montana through business growth. The result was the Heart of Montana Venture Network, which its creators believe will have the greatest potential to both inspire and grow Central Montana.

"When our group first came together, we talked about what everyone notices, even our Governor, and that’s Main Street," said Taylor. "Instead of focusing on the businesses that have closed, what our group wanted to do was create something positive."

"Heart of Montana Venture Network is designed to create a networking framework by combining the passion that residents of Central Montana have for their community with entrepreneurs and start-up business people," he said. "The idea is to connect passionate people who want to see an even better Central Montana with those pursuing new start-up businesses. It will also provide entrepreneurs a problem solving tool so they aren’t doing it all alone."

Heart of Montana Venture Network is a free-form networking group, open to anyone. The network will host quarterly meetings during which a new business owner, start-up business or entrepreneur will get the floor to talk about their business idea and make connections with potential community partners who can work with them to help make those ideas a reality.

"The networking aspect is a way to develop friendships and create helping hands to see more business growth in the Central Montana area," said Taylor. "The Heart of Montana Venture Network’s vision embraces a ‘give before you get’ mentality run by entrepreneurs and the community, as opposed to a business or entity that could create its own agenda."

"What we really want to see is the community working together to give others a hand in creating their business. It’s not about what we receive by doing that – it’s about doing something that will create a better future for this community."

Through a partnership with Snowy Mountain Development Corporation and Innovate Montana, the network has invited three businesses from around the state to Lewistown for a panel discussion. This will take place during a kickoff event slated for 4:30 to 8 p.m. on May 19 at Chokecherry Lane, 311 West Main Street Lewistown. A plan featuring statewide entrepreneurs that have successfully started a business will share their struggles, successes and tips. The panel will include a brewer; Laura Gluekert, owner of The Enchanted Room of Glendive and another entrepreneur. Discussion topics include "Improving the Culture of the Community" and "Online Marketing for Small Business." Refreshments will be provided and those wanting to start a business, just starting a business, or helping others to start a business are encouraged to attend.

For more information about the network or the kickoff event, contact Taylor at Lewistown Job Service at 538-8701 or Snowy Mountain Development Corporation at 535-2591.

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